AI-Generated Speech

Speech audio produced by artificial intelligence systems — typically neural text-to-speech or voice cloning models — rather than recorded from a human speaker. Deaf and hard-of-hearing content creators increasingly use AI-generated speech to add spoken-language tracks to signed videos so that hearing audiences can access their content without requiring the creator to speak on camera. While AI speech expands reach and reduces labor, researchers have documented pressures on deaf creators to conform their content to hearing norms to match what AI voices can produce naturally. AI-generated speech is also used in accessibility tools such as screen readers, audio description, and communication aids.